Neuropathy

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral refers to nerves other than the spinal nerves and brain. Neuropathy literally translates as "nerve disease." Peripheral Neuropathy (PN), therefore, designates dysfunction or disease of peripheral sensory, motor, or autonomic nerves.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy - the largest being idiopathic, or undetermined. The next largest cause is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Additional causes/associations include genetics, toxins, chemotherapy drugs, cancer, nutritional deficiencies, herpes zoster (shingles), HIV, and others.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)

DPN develops as a result of the effects of hyperglycemia (excess glucose or sugar in blood). It is the most common complication of diabetes, occurring in 1 out of every 5 diabetics. A potentially serious condition, DPN results in 1/2 to 3/4 of all non-trauma related amputations.

The consequences of elevated glucose include:

Damages micro vessels which reduces blood flow and oxygen to nerves and cells.

Possibility that hyperglycemia is associated with overuse of polyol pathway, producing damaging cascade of effects, one of which is decreased levels of nitric oxide (an important vasodilator).

Symptoms

Any of the peripheral nerves can be affected by PN/DPN. There are pain sensing fibers, movement activating motor neurons, and autonomic nerves. These can be affected individually or in any combination (such as sensorimotor where both sensation and movement are involved). When these nerves become damaged for any of the above reasons, symptoms occur. Some of the many symptoms may include:

Treatment

In general, there have been few options available for treating the actual underlying causes of neuropathy.

The primary treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy focuses on tight control of blood glucose. Early, strict control may help limit or reverse initial developing stages of diabetic neuropathy. Poor control, long history of diabetes, increasing age, history of smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity all increase the risk of developing or significantly worsening diabetic neuropathy.

Otherwise, pharmaceuticals are used mostly for symptoms rather than reversal of neuropathy. Many drug-based therapies either have limited effectiveness or have secondary side effects which may reduce or prevent their use. Generally, available medications are used in an attempt to:

Improve Circulation Flow (vasodilators)

Control Nerve Pain

Analgesics

Ticyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)

Some treatment approaches have not been studied in clinical trials, but have been utilized to achieve a decrease in chronic neuropathy pain.

Interferential Stimulation

Acupuncture

Massage

Prescribed Exercise

Meditation/Cognitive Therapy

Now, an additional therapy modality is available for patients experiencing neuropathic symptoms. Clinical studies have been conducted on Monochromatic Infra-Red photo Energy (MIRE). Anodyne Therapy’s MIRE device has been cleared by the FDA for use in increasing local blood circulation and reducing pain. Just like other physical medicine modalities though, Anodyne Therapy is not cleared for (nor marketed for) specific conditions or diagnoses. However, 15 studies involving over 5000 patients have been published in peer-reviewed journals documenting efficacy of various uses, including neuropathic symptoms.

Of particular importance in neuropathy (both diabetic and non-diabetic):

As the body's most powerful vasodilator, it increases blood flow, oxygen, nutrients to tissues.

Relieves pain, muscle spasm and stiffness.

Anodyne Therapy, therefore, may help reverse some of the underlying dysfunction involved, as well as providing symptom relief without adverse side effects. Anodyne Therapy treatments are typically provided along with personalized physical or occupational therapy based on identified needs, which may include gait and balance therapy, exercises for flexibility, strengthening and endurance, manual therapy, and others.